Jan Eilert Fricke

Jan Fricke, 62 years, eight months and eight days, died Monday, March 25, 2019, in Ulysses, at home surrounded by everything and everyone he loved.

Visitation and viewing will be held from 2-8 p.m. on Friday, March 29, at Volzke Funeral Home, with family greeting friends from 6:30-8 p.m. The funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 30, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Rising City, with the Rev. David Palomaki officiating. There will be a private family inurnment. Memorials may be made in care of the Fricke Family. Casket bearers are: Dan Zumbach, Dennis Nienhueser, Denny Danielson, Dr. Keith Rohwer, Michael Batenhorst and Larry David.

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Jan was born to Eilert and Margaret (Glock) Fricke on July 17, 1956, in York. He attended Immanuel Lutheran School and then David City High School, graduating in 1974. Following high school, Jan attended University of Nebraska - College of Technical Agriculture, graduating with an Associate’s Degree of Farm Diesel Mechanics. He then spent his whole life happily in Butler County Nebraska. He was the fifth generation Fricke to be raised on the family farm alongside his three sisters, who meant the world to him. Jan deeply loved and cared for his parents and his sisters, Patricia Wilcox, Barbara Rohwer and Marla Fricke and their families. Being together as a big family was always the highlight for Jan, every season even if he was late to the meal.

He found his soulmate and best friend in Lori Lee Mueller. They were married on Sept. 15, 1984, at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Seward. They spent 34 blissful and fun years together with the same love they started with. Lori and Jan were each other’s world. From that marriage they had three children: Stacia, Brenden and Lukas. To his children, Jan was their mentor, biggest supporter, grueling taskmaster (sometimes), best friend, and above all hero. Jan extended that love to Jason Olsen (his son-in-law) and Jeana Fricke (his daughter-in-law). Because of them, Jan and Lori were able to realize their love of grandchildren with the birth of their first grandchild, Leah Marie Fricke.

Jan enjoyed many things, most of all his passion - the family farm. From an early age, Jan was Eilert’s “shadow”. During trying times, Jan picked up where his dad left off, without missing a beat. As the years went on, his hard work and intellect created conditions for the family farm to flourish. He did this through custom seed corn harvesting, implementation of new farming practices, and his pride and joy - his livestock operation and facilities. He passed this love on to all of his children and their families, both on and off the farm.

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Jan’s other great joy’s were selfless giving, whether that be through gifts of time, talent, or treasure, he gave without a second thought. He enjoyed his service to Immanuel Lutheran Church and Our Redeemer Lutheran School. He delighted in serving his neighbor with a helping hand or heartfelt roadside conversation, whichever was needed more.

Jan lost his long battle with Parkinson’s Disease at home, listening to the rain. He painlessly entered his reward surrounded by everything and everyone he loved. There’s a Jan sized hole in this world. You will be so missed.